Sunday, May 1, 2016

4th Annual Dine-N-Dash Media Preview Photo Recap

If today's media preview was any indication, next month's fourth annual Dine-N-Dash is gonna be really, really special. Last year's event featured a dozen top flight restaurants spread across the Penn Quarter. This year, José Andrés and World Central Kitchen have upped the ante... to a whopping 30 hot spots and two neighborhoods (hello 14th Street!) That means more money (hopefully $500K or more) for WCK, and more food, fun and music for attendees. In a city filled with special events, none come close to Dine-N-Dash. WCK's Director of Development & Communications Kevin Holst said it best, "It's a blast!"
Speaking of blasting off, the preview opened at Oyamel, where we were treated to delicious chips, guac' and salsa, as well as mahi mahi empanadas and carnitas tacos. From there, we took a short walk (en masse) over to CityCenter and legendary chef Daniel Boulud's DBGB Kitchen and Bar. There we feasted on Spring Toast with asparagus, fava beans, piquillo peppers (my favorite) and pistachios and fresh-from-the-oven Madeleines (on board our party bus!)

Off to 14th Street for two Dine-N-Dash newbies... Ghibellina and Masa 14. We're very familiar with the latter (our choice for Best Brunch) but this was my first visit to Ghibellina. It certainly won't be my last. When we arrived, a row of banquet tables was already set up with plates of food (a beautiful Smoked Brisket Slider, tasty Local Asparagus Tart & a "killer" Ramp Arancini) and not one, but two cocktails. I decided to break my unofficial "no alcohol before sunset" rule, so I could try Ghibellina's Fruitto Del Sangue (cynar, rye, lillet rouge.) Nice and strong, with an attractive wedge of blood orange for added color.

Last but never least... Masa 14. After getting carded (a big deal, when you're staring down your 48th birthday) we filed upstairs to a disco-like atmosphere, complete with private DJ and an open bar. You literally can't go wrong with anything on the menu; but "Best Bite of the Day" honors went to their Pork Belly Steam Buns. Masa 14's Crispy Shrimp placed a close third overall to Ghibellina's aforementioned Ramp Arancini.

Tickets are still on sale for Dine-N-Dash, scheduled for Wednesday, June 15th between 6-10 PM. General admission tickets are only $125, and VIP tickets cost $300 but provide access to several VIP-only restaurants including DBGB, Proof and super stylish Sotto (as well as an exclusive afterparty with Andrés and other celebrity chefs.) Click here for more information, and here to purchase tickets online.